Hello, sun chasers! I’m thrilled to bring you some electrifying updates from the world of solar in today’s blog post. There’s a paradigm shift happening in the solar industry and it’s pushing boundaries in a spectacular way.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a leading body from the US Department of Energy, has updated its ‘Best Research-Cell Efficiency Chart’ with the addition of a novel cell category, namely ‘Hybrid Tandems’.
But before we delve further into the details, let’s unpack this a little and explain what ‘Hybrid Tandems’ means. This term references record tandem solar cells, military-grade technology, with layers composed of two different photovoltaic (PV) materials. A couple of these subcategories, namely Perovskite/Si and Perovskite/CIGS, have been transitioned from the ‘Emerging PV’ section into this new category, and it now includes some newbies as well, like III-V/Si and Perovskite/organic.
The shift towards the use of different photovoltaic materials for solar arrays for home use, especially solar panels, could be a game-changer. The enhanced efficiency rate from these new hybrid tandems guarantees optimal power generation, a boon for both solar companies and homeowners alike.
Why is this exciting? Well, since 2023, this interactive chart has been doing an outstanding job of keeping us updated on the confirmed conversion efficiencies of solar research cells. It tracks the overall performance of various PV technologies, keeping all us solar enthusiasts glued to our screens.
The real deal now is that this revamped chart now offers details on some record-setting efficiencies. For example, it includes a staggering 33.9% world record efficiency from a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell. Additionally, it acknowledges the 27.09% efficiency from a heterojunction back contact solar cell.
As the industry evolves and more solar companies explore these advanced material combinations, we’re likely to see an increase in the overall efficiency of solar panels for your home. Whether you’re a solar company continually researching and developing or a homeowner investigating the best solar array for home use, this transition to hybrid tandems brings promise for an even more sustainable future.
This ever-evolving science of solar never fails to leave me in awe, and I hope it’s the same for you. Harnessing sun power, after all, isn’t only about saving money; it’s about building a future that’s clean, green, and sustainable. Here’s to reaching for the stars, one solar panel at a time. Stay sunny, friends!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/06/nrel-interactive-chart-of-solar-cell-efficiency-now-including-hybrid-tandems/
